I feel you as I get the odd days where I’m like, what did I do with my time before I had a 15 month old. But at the same time, I love mini justme to pieces and couldn’t imagine my life without him.
Being a single parent I can relate as it often feels like I have no time at all to myself, everything just feels like a rush and I’ve turned down a lot of outings just like you because I would rather not think about how tired I’ll be after. I still don’t have any evenings at the moment and mini justme is up first thing. With teething and milestones, we still have wake ups throughout the night.
I went out for a meal with some friends last month, none of them have kids and I found it slightly amusing that they were all tired by the end of it and they kept saying they couldn’t wait to get home to bed asap whereas I was thinking omg I hope mini justme sleeps the majority of the night tonight otherwise I will be ruined tomorrow!! I did feel slightly jealous that they could go home and wake up whatever time they wanted the next day - and just be free. That was the first time I had been out in months and honestly, if it wasn’t a birthday I probably would have cancelled because the tiredness, work, house, life is exhausting enough without the social side also I get what you mean about more family time. With being back at work, the thought of doing social outings, being more tired and then missing out on time with toddler is a difficult balance to get. I’m trying to find it as people keep telling me I ‘need’ a break
I’m lucky I have understanding friends because the way I take ages to reply to anything these days is crazy but it’s difficult, hats off to you with the two though, superwoman.
Sorry I don’t have advice but just wanted you to know, I get the feelings too and putting yourself last most of the time. Solidarity
also thanks for bringing this topic up, I clearly needed this outlet too.